If the Deadly “Doomsday Glacier” Collapsed, It Would Have Severe Global Consequences

Scientists have released another alarming update on the Thwaites Glacier, often referred to as the “Doomsday Glacier”—and the situation is more dire than ever.

This massive sheet of ice, roughly the size of Great Britain, is melting at an accelerated rate, posing a significant threat to global sea levels. Experts warn that if Thwaites fully collapses, the consequences would be catastrophic, with coastal cities, entire ecosystems, and human populations at risk.

A Rapidly Retreating Glacier

The Thwaites Glacier has been receding for over 80 years, but in the past 30 years, its retreat has drastically accelerated. The amount of ice flowing into the ocean more than doubled between the 1990s and 2010s, significantly contributing to rising sea levels.

Currently, the glacier—along with its surrounding ice—accounts for 8% of the 4.6mm annual global sea level rise. The latest projections suggest that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could disappear entirely by the 23rd century if the trend continues unchecked.

What Happens If Thwaites Glacier Collapses?

If the glacier melts completely, sea levels would rise by 3.3 meters (10.8 feet). This would result in:

• Massive global flooding—coastal cities and low-lying regions would be swallowed by rising waters.
• Habitat destruction—ecosystems dependent on stable sea levels would be devastated.
• Stronger storms and extreme weather events—hurricanes, typhoons, and storm surges could become more frequent and severe.

In the UK alone, cities such as Hull, Peterborough, Portsmouth, East London, and the Thames Estuary would face significant flooding.

Scientists Call for Urgent Action

With such alarming projections, researchers from the US and UK are gathering at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in Cambridge to discuss urgent next steps.

Their goal? To better understand the glacier’s behavior using underwater robotics and advanced research techniques.

Experts Weigh In

Dr. Rob Larter, a marine geophysicist at BAS, emphasizes the urgency:

“Thwaites has been retreating for more than 80 years, accelerating considerably over the past 30 years. And our findings indicate it is set to retreat further and faster.”

Similarly, Dr. Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the University of Colorado, warns:

“It’s concerning that the latest computer models predict continuing ice loss that will accelerate through the 22nd century and could lead to a widespread collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in the 23rd.”

Both scientists stress that immediate climate action can slow down the process, but delays will reduce the effectiveness of intervention measures.

What Can Be Done?

While the full collapse of the Thwaites Glacier might take decades or centuries, its impact is already being felt today through rising sea levels and increasing climate instability.

Climate action now—such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and improving global climate policies—can help slow the process. However, delays will make future interventions less effective.

The Bottom Line

The Doomsday Glacier isn’t just an abstract climate concern—it’s an urgent global threat. If it collapses, it will reshape coastlines, displace populations, and intensify extreme weather. The science is clear: without immediate action, the future will be hotter, wetter, and more unpredictable.

The time to act is now.